Question

Kyla is afraid of spiders. Her therapist recommended systematic desensitization to deal with her phobia. They have been working on her phobia forseveral sessions in the office, and it is time for her third step: gradual exposure. You are an intern in the practice, and you will be conducting this step withKyla. Which of the following answers indicates how you will proceed?
1. Begin by placing the spider in Kyla’s lap. Leave it there until her heart rate returns to her baseline.
2. Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer toKyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Make sure to continue to move it closer to her before her heart rate returns to thebaseline.
3. Begin by placing the spider far enough away from Kyla that her heart rate remains at her baseline. Each time you move the spider closer toKyla, you will see her heart rate change on the monitor. Do not move it closer to her until her deep breathing returns her heart rate to thebaseline.
4. Begin by asking Kyla to close her eyes and relax. Let the spider out of his cage and let him roam around the office. Continue to help Kyla relaxand keep her heart at baseline.

Answer 1

Answer:

4. Begin by asking Kyla to close her eyes and relax. Let the spider out of his cage and let him roam around the office. Continue to help Kyla relaxand keep her heart at baseline.

Explanation:

4. Begin by asking Kyla to close her eyes and relax. Let the spider out of his cage and let him roam around the office. Continue to help Kyla relaxand keep her heart at baseline.

An exposure therapy does not mean to place the spider exactly in front of the eyes or on the heart. It means introducing it in such a way that the patient is at ease and feels safe. In case of spiders first they are placed inside a cage in the same room so the patient is relaxed and doesn't have to worry about anything.

Then later on the spider can be set free to roam about in the same room so there's nothing to worry about. The patient must be treated in such a way that he feels that spiders are harmless or any other such thing would not harm them so they grew out of the fear.